'The Witch of World War II' The Strange Story of Helen Duncan

Summary

The video explores the controversial history of witchcraft in the UK, focusing on Helen Duncan, one of the last women convicted under the Witchcraft Act in the 20th century. Born in Scotland in 1897, Helen became known for her seances and claims of communicating with spirits. Her abilities, including producing ectoplasm, brought her fame but also legal troubles. Convicted during WWII for fraud, her trial highlighted societal fears and changing attitudes towards witchcraft. The case remains a subject of debate, with ongoing campaigns advocating for her pardon.

Takeaways

• 🧙‍♀️ Witchcraft in the UK has a controversial history, with many accused of witchcraft being innocent, particularly women.
• 💀 Helen Duncan, born in 1897 in Scotland, was one of the last women to be convicted under the Witchcraft Act.
• 🔮 Helen claimed to have psychic abilities from childhood, often hearing disembodied voices and making predictions.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Helen married Henry Duncan in 1919, and after a family tragedy, she began hosting seances and connecting with supposed spirits.
• 🧪 Helen became known for her practice of producing ectoplasm during seances, though it was later debunked as a fraudulent act using materials like cheesecloth and chemicals.
• 🚢 In 1941, Helen made an accurate prediction about the secret sinking of the HMS Barham, raising suspicions of espionage.
• 👮 In 1944, Helen was arrested under the Witchcraft Act of 1735 for fraudulent spiritual activity, causing significant public and media attention.
• ⚖️ Despite public outcry, Helen was sentenced to nine months in prison, and her appeal was rejected despite testimony supporting her mediumship.
• 📜 Helen’s trial led to broader legal reforms, including the repeal of the Witchcraft Act and its replacement with the Fraudulent Mediums Act in 1951.
• 🏛️ While some view Helen as a fraudulent medium, others believe she brought comfort to grieving families, and there has been ongoing debate over whether she deserves a posthumous pardon.

Q & A

Who was Helen Duncan, and what made her famous?

Helen Duncan was a Scottish medium known for her séances and claims of contacting the dead. She became famous for her alleged psychic powers, particularly during World War II, and for being one of the last people convicted under the UK Witchcraft Act of 1735.

What early experiences did Helen Duncan have that suggested she had psychic abilities?

As a child, Helen was known for hearing disembodied voices, receiving warnings about friends and loved ones, and experiencing strange events like completing tests while seemingly unconscious. These incidents contributed to her reputation as a psychic.

What was the controversy surrounding Helen Duncan's séances during World War II?

Helen Duncan claimed to have received detailed information about the sinking of the HMS Barham, a naval disaster that was classified at the time. This raised suspicions that she might have obtained the information through espionage, not supernatural means.

What was ectoplasm, and how did Helen Duncan use it during her séances?

Ectoplasm was a substance that Duncan and other mediums claimed emanated from their bodies during trance states, forming ghostly figures. However, later investigations revealed ectoplasm was faked using materials like cheesecloth, egg whites, and chemicals.

Why was Helen Duncan arrested in 1944, and what was the outcome of her trial?

Helen Duncan was arrested and charged under the Witchcraft Act of 1735 for fraudulent spiritual activity. She was found guilty and sentenced to nine months in prison, despite public controversy and criticism from figures like Winston Churchill.

How did the public and authorities react to Helen Duncan's conviction under the Witchcraft Act?

The public and media were outraged, with many criticizing the use of an outdated law to prosecute Duncan. Winston Churchill himself described the charges as obsolete and a waste of resources, reflecting the changing attitudes towards superstition and witchcraft.

What impact did Helen Duncan's trial have on the Witchcraft Act in the UK?

Helen Duncan’s trial highlighted the outdated nature of the Witchcraft Act, leading to its repeal in 1951 and replacement with the Fraudulent Mediums Act, reflecting a shift towards more rational and secular views on spiritual practices.

Did Helen Duncan face further legal issues after her release from prison?

Yes, despite promising not to hold séances again, Helen Duncan was arrested in 1956 for conducting another séance. However, by then the Witchcraft Act had been repealed, and she was not charged under that law.

How did Helen Duncan's supporters view her, and what are their ongoing efforts regarding her legacy?

Helen Duncan's supporters believe she was a genuine medium and that her conviction was unjust. They have campaigned for an apology rather than a pardon, seeking recognition that she provided comfort to grieving families, especially during the war.

What are the arguments both for and against Helen Duncan's psychic abilities?

Supporters argue that her séances provided closure and comfort to grieving families, and point to cases like the HMS Barham as evidence of her psychic abilities. Critics argue she exploited vulnerable people, using tricks like ectoplasm to deceive them, and that any secret information she revealed could have been obtained through non-supernatural means.